Josh Shalla and the Cyclones are powering their way to a possible 2014 Kelly Cup triumph. (Photo Credit: Scott Paulus)

The Cincinnati Cyclones played their opening contest of the ECHL Eastern Conference Finals last night against the Greenville Road Warriors. The Cyclones won 4-1 behind a Josh Shalla hat trick and are set for Game 2 later tonight in Cincinnati.

Shalla now has 10 points (8 goals, 2 assists) from 13 playoff games. He leads the Cyclones in goals during the playoffs and is second on the team in playoff points behind Byron Froese (18).

In addition to the offense, Rob Madore had continued his phenomenal run for the Cyclones. Last night he stopped 31 of 32 shots and has an overall playoff statline of 1.83 goals against average with a 0.941 save percentage. Madore is giving the Cyclones great balance when it comes to their shoot ’em up offense. Regardless if he kept this form up all throughout the ECHL Playoffs – I would be shocked to not see him playing AHL hockey next season.

Are the Cincinnati Cyclones heading for the ECHL Kelly Cup Finals? Do you think a strong playoff performance could help Josh Shalla’s chances of being an Admiral regular next season?